Dania Jacubovich Goes Global

With a career interest in medicine and a penchant for world travel, pre-junior biology major Dania Jacubovich acted on ardent plans to complete her third and final co-op in an international hospital setting. By employing her own search and collaborating with Steinbright staff, Dania was able to secure a six-month co-op focusing on pediatrics and gynecology at Hospital de Clinicas, South America’s most recognized teaching hospital located in Argentina’s capital city of Buenos Aires.

Upon her arrival, however, she was offered by Argentina’s Mente organization the opportunity to also volunteer at Hospital de Ninos Ricardo Gutierrez shadowing physicians in dermatology and pediatric units, as well as Hospital Italiano, a private medical clinic in Buenos Aires. In only six months, Dania gained firsthand experience in international medicine that far exceeded her expectations. She assisted residents in checking patients’ vital signs, lungs, ears and throats, spent hours speaking with patients and their families about various medical conditions, viewed shocking x-rays, and was even invited to participate in difficult clinical case presentations. “Everything that I see and experience is new to me. The amount of knowledge that I’ve gained is amazing,” Dania exclaimed.

With one completed co-op and prior volunteer work in two U.S. hospitals under her belt and sights set on medical school, Dania saw long term value in pursuing a co-op abroad. “I wanted to do an international co-op because I believe that by experiencing different forms of medicine and by having to immerse myself in a different country and culture, I will gain valuable and irreplaceable experience for my future as a doctor,” she explained. “I think it is extremely important and valuable to have a global perspective and gain firsthand experience in an international setting. One learns a lot, not only as a student, but as a person, by interacting with people different than oneself.” Dania views her co-op in Argentina as a launching pad for her career. “This experience has strengthened my plans as a future doctor and I now know that I want to work with kids. This opportunity has opened many doors for me, as well as opened my eyes.”